Retail is going through a period of transformation, driven by new technology and changing consumer shopping habits. Although retail is no longer solely about physical shops, these will remain a crucial part of retailing in the future and a core purpose of high streets, town centres and other commercial spaces. A focus on accessibility and convenience will support the transformation of the industry and community spaces alike.
In recent years, making public transport an attractive and everyday choice for residents has become a popular tool for reducing transport sector carbon emissions. However, for many people the car is still a convenient way of shopping. For this reason, parking policies such as parking capacity reductions and restricting motorised access are preventing retail planning projects with commercial imperative and substantive planning merit.
Car parking availability plays a pivotal role in retaining and attracting visitors to stores, making stores more accessible, enhancing customer experience and promoting longer visits. Research by the Federation of Small Businesses with Public First showed 38 per cent of the UK public said more accessible or cheaper parking would most encourage them to visit businesses on their local high street. Beyond shopping experience, the congestion can also reduce accessibility for employees and service and delivery traffic.
The High Streets Task Force identified car parking as one of over two hundred factors influencing the vitality and viability of high streets, that is the number or availability of parking spaces in the town centre, High Street, shopping centre, retail park etc. The report concludes car parking is ‘highly influential’ and a ‘very high priority’, ranking 8th out of 237 factors assessed.
By focusing on accessibility, retailers can welcome everyone, making shopping easier for all. Car parks equipped with accessibility features, such as designated spaces for disabled drivers, ramps, and clear signage, will ensure all visitors can easily reach the desired destinations. Other factors to consider include the placement and design of parking areas, safety and security, management of parking facilities and parking costs and restrictions.
To support the goal of cleaner emissions in road transport, all parking policies should also be delivered in conjunction with an Electric Vehicle (EV) strategy to support a scalable transition to zero emission vehicles. Facilitating the provision of accessible and reliable charging points will ensure the required infrastructure is delivered, and that it meets the needs of customers and businesses alike.
Effective parking strategies should be central in the policy and planning for maintaining or improving access and convenience of retail areas. By retaining and attracting customers, parking policy is an essential tool to ensure the industry can continue to play a vital role in serving communities, providing rewarding careers and driving economic growth.
References
https://publicfirst.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FSB.pdf
https://www.highstreetstaskforce.org.uk/resources/details/?id=943bc51a-f60b-4116-bdec-5725c7312a57